Experts have suggested many reasons for the results. One
includes the ability of Latin Americans to look beyond immediate
problems and live life day-by-day, despite what is going on
externally. It suggests that constant problems make people adapt
and live positively, perhaps because it is difficult to
constantly fear the worse and still live a productive life. Other
explanations include cultural aspects that teach Latin
Americans to keep a positive face on things, even if there are
personal problems.

These are both interesting suggestions. The fact that having less
might make someone feel as if he has more to be
positive about could come from an appreciation for the smaller
things in life. This could also be a reason why countries
like France andGermany did not do well on the
survey: if you are higher up, you will hit the ground harder if
you do happen to fall. Regarding a positive attitude, I think the
culture of Latin America does not just place a happy face on
every situation, as families and close friends do have constant,
open, and honest discussions, both positive and negative. It
might be that in difficult times the support people get from
those around them helps lift everyone in general. Even
if negative things do happen, it is the support from
families and close friends that makes the negativity more
bearable.

In addition, there is also a culture in Latin America that does
not promote negativity with every aspect of life. Being
constantly negative may not thrive when a community of open and
honest individuals is there for support. There is simply
no room to seek out the worst-case scenario when you have so
many in your corner.

While not exclusive to Latin America, the culture of family,
support, and living a life to spend time with your family, I
think, is an important part of Latin American culture that keeps
people positive. Being with those close to you and finding other
friends and partners that value that way of life is a key part of
Latin American culture. That might be the main reason why people
remain positive: they are never truly alone. Interestingly, many
discussions and documentaries about immigrant groups in
the United States show an
internal conflict among many who move to the US and
who do not wish to lose their support systems in a new
culture rooted in individualism. While being motivated and
entrepreneurial is valued, a life being with your family, where
you are never truly alone, is the basis for many cultures in many
parts of the world. Many new Americans frown on the thought that
children can detach themselves from their family at 18 years of
age. They believe people can only truly thrive as a family.

– Rich Basas is a Latin America blogger and Europe blogger at the Foreign Policy
Association. Read the blogs here for both Latin America
and Europe.